What does cervicitis mean? Cervicitis of the cervix: symptoms and treatment. What provokes the development of the disease

Cervicitis is a violation of the functioning of the female reproductive system, manifested in the form of inflammation of the cervix.

The main reasons for the development of this disease in a woman: various infectious diseases, transmitted during sexual intercourse, ailments caused by viral organisms, as well as physical effects of a negative nature.

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Types of disease and causes of occurrence

There are several

, they may differ in some symptoms. as well as treatment.
• Cervicitis is divided into infectious and non-infectious. Most common infectious its form caused by sexually transmitted diseases.

Non-infectious cervicitis appears in a woman due to damage to the cervix, inflammation, and exposure to chemicals or radiation.

• Depending on the organs in which the inflammatory process occurs, the disease is divided into endocervititis and exocervicitis... In the first case, the mucous membrane of the cervical tubule becomes inflamed. In the second, the vaginal segment of the cervix.
• In the course of the disease, cervicitis is divided into acute and chronic... The chronic form develops with late treatment.

The causative agent of inflammation allows you to determine whether a specific form of the disease in a particular woman or nonspecific.

Causes of occurrence

There can be several reasons for the occurrence of cervicitis:

• The main reason for the appearance of an inflammatory process in the female reproductive system is diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse. During the development of the disease, the secret on the mucous membrane gradually liquefies. The mucous membrane dries up, the inflammatory process begins. The infection quickly spreads throughout the cervix, and then goes to the appendages, bladder, kidneys and further throughout the body. All this can lead to dire consequences, the appearance of peritonitis is possible.
• Another option is sexually transmitted diseases. Doctors identify several risk factors: herpes, human papillomavirus.
• The beginning of sexual activity.
• Physical or chemical effects of contraception or hygiene items.
• Individual intolerance to latex or any component of the contraceptive being taken.
• Reduced immunity.
• Injury to the cervix during abortion or during childbirth.
• Prolapse of the uterus.
• Menopause period.

How to treat chronic cervicitis

The chronic form of the disease can develop due to the entry into the reproductive system of microbes, fungi or viral infections... Infection of the mucosa occurs due to prolapse of the uterus, mistaken reception, a large number of sexual partners, or due to illiterate hygiene procedures.

The main syndromes are:

Chronic cervicitis often causes severe erosion. As a diagnosis, the cervix should be examined regularly. Further, a colposcopy procedure is necessarily prescribed and a certain material is taken for analysis.

Treatment for chronic cervicitis depends on the underlying cause. Basically, it is carried out with the help of antibiotics, and radio wave therapy on an outpatient basis will also be very useful. If the case is considered particularly difficult, a laser can be used, as well as procedures such as cryotherapy and diathermocoagulation.

How is cervicitis of the cervix uteri treated?

Therapy for cervicitis is based on drug treatment.

Its primary goal is to eliminate the causative agent of the disease.

• Specific cervicitis involves treatment with a specific group of drugs.
• If Trichomonas or bacteria are the culprits of the disease, then the doctor prescribes antibiotics on an individual basis.

The second step is to restore the killed intestinal microflora. Candles are prescribed as medicines. Lactobacterin, Bifikol, Vagilak and Atzilakt. In this case, it is necessary to take a complex of vitamins, which would support the body.

In addition to medication, in rare cases, various therapies are possible: cryotherapy, laser work, electrocoagulation. They are carried out exclusively under local anesthesia... The attending physician prescribes these procedures only for frequent recurrences of the disease. Then it is advisable to remove atypical cells permanently.

If chronic cervicitis is detected in women whose reproductive function no longer works, then hormonal agents are prescribed to her. Usually, such treatment of cervicitis is carried out with vaginal suppositories and ointments.

It is also necessary to reorganize the mucous membrane of the uterine wall. The tool will be cotton swabs soaked in furacilin, silver nitrate solution or chlorophyllipt. This increases the percentage of bacteria protection.

Follow-up tests will help determine if the treatment is working.

Treatment features

Along with the usual treatment, the treatment of cervicitis with folk remedies is becoming popular. Here are some recipes:

• Dried leaves of raspberry, thyme, mint or juniper are added to the crushed dry leaves of adonis and wormwood in equal proportions. The whole mixture of herbs is soaked in half a liter of boiling water and drunk per day, they do it in several stages. The next day, you need to prepare a fresh broth. The remains of the old cannot be stored.
• Another recipe for a decoction: dry leaves of strawberries and wormwood, bird cherry blossoms, oak bark and rose hips are poured into a liter of boiling water. The infusion is left for eight to nine hours, after which it is decanted. The ready-made broth is drunk in 150 ml three times a day. The course of admission lasts thirty days.
• A dry mixture is made from birch foliage, raspberry shoots, horsetail, wormwood, peppermint and St. John's wort. Take five grams of each of the components, pour a glass of boiling water, heat in a water bath for ten minutes. The resulting broth is left for an hour. Strain the present liquid and drink 80 grams warm before meals in the morning, afternoon and before bedtime.

You can not use traditional methods of treatment as basic. They should only complement therapy. Consultation with your doctor is required.

Let's summarize:

• Cervicitis can be a consequence of diseases that are transmitted during intercourse.
• To avoid health problems, you need to be careful with the choice oral contraceptives and hygiene products.
• Treatment of cervicitis is usually done with antibiotics, less often with surgery.
• Folk remedies give excellent results.

The modern pace of life does not allow you to pay enough attention to your own health. Often a person simply does not notice the body's signals about disturbances in the functioning of systems and organs. As a result, medical statistics provide less and less comforting facts about the state of health every year. modern people, in particular women: the level of inflammatory and infectious diseases is increasing, an increasing number of women of reproductive age suffer from infertility or face problems with bearing a child. Cervicitis has become one of these common diseases. What is it, what are the symptoms of the disease and how to cure it - we will consider in detail in our article.

What is cervicitis?

Cervicitis is the lining of the cervix. Various infectious diseases can cause this condition. reproductive system, chronic problems of the reproductive system, mechanical trauma and damage to the mucous membrane.

Why is the disease dangerous?

Cervicitis - what is it and how dangerous is this disease? is a muscular organ located between the vagina and the uterus. Its main function is to protect the uterus from the entry and spread of various genital tract infections. During pregnancy, the cervix protects the fetus from infection and mechanically supports the growing organ in the small pelvis, opening directly only during labor for normal delivery.

The foci of inflammation in the cervix disrupt its protective functions, which, accordingly, leads to the spread of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora in the body. Cervicitis is especially dangerous during pregnancy, since the fetus becomes susceptible to infection with various diseases, and there is also a risk of premature birth or miscarriage. In addition, they contribute to the development of complications of the root cause of the problem, namely, bacterial and viral infections.

Cervicitis in women causes unpleasant symptoms and also contributes to the development of concomitant diseases such as erosion, polyps and atrophy of the mucous membrane of the cervix. Against the background of a general weakening of the protective functions of systems and organs, it is possible to attach one or more secondary infections, which complicates the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Types of cervicitis

Depending on the area of \u200b\u200bthe cervix of the uterus, the inflammatory focus is formed, cervicitis is divided into two types:

1. Exocervicitis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the vaginal region of the cervix. Such a problem can be detected with a standard gynecological examination.
2. Inflammation channel cervixwhich is denoted medical term "Endocervix" is called "endocervicitis". This type of disease is quite difficult to detect during a routine examination. Additional tests and observation of characteristic symptoms are required.
3. Separately, it is necessary to highlight chronic cervicitis. a prolonged inflammatory process in the cervix, which is characterized by the development of an exacerbation during the appearance of unfavorable external factors (weakening of the immune system, hormonal disorders, infection). Often accompanied by mucosal atrophy.

The causes of the disease

The causes of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix are very different: from common thrush (candidiasis) to improper delivery. Therefore, it is extremely important for every woman to undergo regular preventive examinations with a gynecologist at least twice a year. And if you have any complaints, you should immediately contact a specialist for advice, since it is much easier to prevent the development of complications and chronic forms of the disease by early stages spread of the focus of inflammation.

The causes of cervicitis can be classified as follows:

• sexually transmitted infections (STDs), such as urogenital mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, candidiasis, vaginosis, and others;
• viral diseases: herpes, human papillomavirus;
• getting into the cervix of nonspecific opportunistic microflora: Escherichia coli, fungi, staphylococci;
• hormonal disorders;
• mechanical damage to the mucous membrane: birth trauma, the consequences of abortion and surgical intervention;
• irritation chemicals: contraceptives, personal hygiene products, uncontrolled douching.

In addition, inflammatory processes, neoplasms of the cervix, scars, decreased immunity lead to the development of cervicitis. How to treat inflammation - we will consider below.

Cervicitis symptoms

Cervicitis is often asymptomatic. In this case, the disease is detected only during a routine medical examination. A woman may experience pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, changes in the color and consistency of genital discharge occur. Such symptoms are not immediately noticed, but in the meantime, the disease progresses and affects an increasing area of \u200b\u200bthe cervix, additional symptoms appear.

Symptoms of cervicitis are quite diverse and depend on the underlying cause of the development of the inflammatory process. Attention should be paid to the following signs, which may indicate the development of an inflammatory process in the cervix:

1. Change in discharge from the genital tract. So, with cervicitis caused by a bacterium of the genus Candida, cheesy discharge appears. If the root cause of cervical inflammation is gonorrhea, then purulent, yellowish discharge is noticed. With urogenital mycoplasmosis and chlamydia - transparent, trichomoniasis is characterized by foamy discharge from the genitals.
2. Drawing pains in the lower abdomen, often aching and dull, reminiscent of menstruation. Less often, the pain is acute, sharp. Can give to the lower back, sacrum.
3. Bloody discharge in the middle of the cycle or during intercourse.
4. Unpleasant sensations during intimate relationships, decreased libido.
5. Frequent urination or false urge.
6. An additional symptom is confirmed colpitis. In this case, cervicitis is often a concomitant disease.

Diagnosis of the disease

A gynecologist can diagnose cervicitis after an examination using gynecological mirrors. With a disease, the cervix has swelling, redness, hemorrhage and erosion may be detected. If the cause of the development of inflammation was an infection of the genital tract, the gynecologist will notice a discharge that differs from the norm: a change in color, quantity, consistency, smell.

The gynecologist, taking into account the results of the examination, history and symptoms of the patient, will recommend a number of laboratory tests:

Cocoloscopy is widely used to confirm the diagnosis of cervicitis. What is it and how does the procedure take place? It is carried out by introducing a special apparatus - a coloscope, which displays the resulting image on the screen. Thus, the doctor can assess the state of the cervical epithelium, detect the focus of inflammation, polyps, neoplasms, erosion. According to the indications, it is possible to carry out the procedure using various tests, for example, iodine or acetic, Hrobak's test. Usually, with coloscopy, a swab and biopsy are taken for further laboratory examination.

Drugs for the treatment of infectious cervicitis

Inflammation of the cervix caused by a bacterial infection requires treatment with antibacterial drugs. In order to determine the substance acting on the identified pathogenic microorganism, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment on the basis of the results obtained. In order to cure infectious cervicitis, the following drugs are used:

• Ceftriaxone;
• "Azithromycin";
• Erythromycin;
• "Doxycycline";
• Ofloxacin;
• "Flagil";
• "Tinidazole";
• "Penicillin";
• "Azithromycin".

In parallel with taking antibiotics, the doctor will prescribe medications to normalize the local microflora and relieve puffiness, for example, Livarol suppositories. In addition to taking antibacterial agents, the gynecologist will give recommendations on abstaining from intimate relationships, treating a sexual partner and remind about the rules of personal hygiene: frequent linen changes, washing, using individual towels.

After taking a course of antibiotics, the doctor, if necessary, will prescribe surgical methods for removing papillomas, cauterizing erosion, and others.

Treatment of viral cervicitis

How to treat viral cervicitis? For this, antiviral drugs are prescribed, for example, "Acyclovir" and its analogues. The course usually lasts 5 days. Just as with an infectious infection, the gynecologist will give recommendations on observing the rules of personal hygiene and will offer laser treatment, cryosurgery or other methods of surgical treatment of complications of the inflammatory process.

Treatment of nonspecific and chronic cervicitis

In the treatment of cervicitis caused by opportunistic microflora or mechanical damage, the following drugs are used:

Chronic cervicitis of the cervix, which caused tissue atrophy, is treated with local hormonal drugs: creams, ointments, suppositories. The most common is the drug "Ovestin". Reviews speak of its high efficiency and safety.

Physiotherapy

For the treatment of cervicitis different origins in parallel with taking medication, physiotherapy methods are used. With their help, benign formations of the cervix, colpitis, ectopia are effectively treated. Cervicitis has a peculiarity to spread - physiotherapy methods help to reduce the area of \u200b\u200bthe focus of inflammation and relieve puffiness. The following types of therapy are used:

• magnetotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• ultrasonic wave treatment;
• irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

Surgical treatments

In modern medicine, cervicitis is treated with surgical methods. Reviews of such methods are mixed. Doctors talk about the high efficiency of surgical intervention in the inflammatory process of the cervix. But the procedures are often painful, have a number of contraindications and side reactions. The following methods are used to treat cervicitis:

1. Cryosurgery - This is the burning of damaged tissues with liquid nitrogen. The procedure is usually painless, it is carried out without anesthesia for literally 10 minutes. But after the procedure, within 3 weeks, various side reactions may appear: the presence of unusual discharge, bleeding, in rare cases there are convulsions, infection, scarring.
2. Thermotherapy - This is the cauterization of diseased tissues using a thermal sensor. Sometimes the procedure is painful, so anesthetics can be used. In the postoperative period, bleeding, changes in discharge, scarring are also possible.
3. Remove tissue damaged by the disease and using laser beam... The procedure is performed using anesthesia. IN recovery period it is necessary to consult a doctor if bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, pain in the lower back, pelvis and lower abdomen appear.

Cervicitis: folk remedies

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix is \u200b\u200ba serious and dangerous disease with complications, therefore, self-medication is not recommended. But use useful properties plants as an additional treatment, not forgetting to follow all the doctor's recommendations, will be useful. We offer such folk recipes for cervicitis:

1. Juice a few cloves of garlic. Dissolve it in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Then add a tablespoon of honey. Soak a cotton swab in the mixture and insert into your vagina for an hour. This remedy should not be used if there is mucosal erosion.
2. A steam sitz bath with a few drops of tea tree oil helps with candidiasis-related cervicitis. The duration of the session should be 15 minutes.
3. Ready-made preparations for the treatment of gynecological problems can be purchased at the pharmacy and used for the douching procedure. To cook it yourself herbal collection, you need the following plants: plantain leaves, lilac flowers, chicory root, sage leaves - all in equal proportions. It is necessary to pour 2 tablespoons of chopped plants with a liter of boiling water and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Then you need to strain and cool to a temperature of 38 degrees. Use a rubber bulb to douche. You can use such a remedy once a day for a week, preferably before bedtime. Treatment of chronic cervicitis is not complete without douching with decoctions of medicinal herbs.

Be attentive to your health: watch your diet, do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene, choose your sexual partner and means of protection against STIs responsibly. At the first symptoms of the disease, be sure to consult your doctor.

Cervicitis (from Lat. Cervix - cervix) is an inflammatory disease of the outer or inner part of the cervix. As a rule, it develops in conjunction with inflammation of the uterus and vagina, since all these structures are closely interconnected. The disease occurs in women of reproductive age and in the postmenopausal period. Often, cervicitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, especially if it is a virus. An unpleasant feature of the disease is frequent chronicity and an imperceptible course, which leads to a late diagnosis. What is the danger of cervicitis and what consequences await a woman?

What is cervix?

The cervix or cervix is \u200b\u200bthe narrowest part of the organ, a kind of entrance to the uterus. The uterus is a hollow muscular organ that can be imagined as a bag, turned upside down. Its lower part looks like a dense tube several centimeters long - this is the neck. A narrow cervical canal passes inside it, which is normally tightly closed and filled with mucus.

The cervical canal opens into the vagina - this is the vaginal portion or ectocervix. She is seen by a gynecologist when examining the patient's vagina. A woman herself can feel it with her fingers when a hygienic tampon, vaginal suppository or cervical cap is inserted. The ectocervix looks like a pale pink disc with a hole or small gap in the center.

During pregnancy, the cervix is \u200b\u200btightly compressed and holds the fetus with the amniotic membranes and fluids in the uterus. Just before childbirth, it softens and relaxes, and immediately during the birth of a child, the cervical canal expands to 10 cm in order to let the baby out. Dysfunction of the cervix leads to miscarriage, disruption of the biomechanism of childbirth.

The function of the cervix is \u200b\u200bthe safe communication of the uterine cavity with the vagina. On the one hand, the cervical canal freely passes spermatozoa and menstrual blood, on the other hand, it reliably protects against the penetration of pathogenic microbes. It is filled with mucus produced by the epithelial glands of the cervix. The consistency of mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. It is most fluid during ovulation in order to freely pass sperm and facilitate conception. Closer to and immediately after menstruation, the mucus is dense, thick, and contains a large amount of protective antibodies. Thus, it prevents the transfer of infection from the vagina to the uterus and above.

The immediate causes of cervicitis in most cases are bacteria, viruses and protozoa:

• gonococci;
• trichomonas;
• genital herpes virus;
• human papillomavirus;
• streptococci;
• staphylococci;
• mycoplasma;
• chlamydia;
• ureaplasma;
• mycobacterium tuberculosis;
• pathogenic fungus candida.

Of all these bacteria, only gonococcus is aggressive enough to penetrate the cervical mucus into the cervix and cause inflammation in it. Most other pathogens require additional factors that undermine the immune system and reduce protection:

• childbirth, abortion, miscarriage;
• surgical intervention, endoscopic examination of the uterus, appendages;
• hIV infection;
• malformations of the reproductive system;
• chronic infectious and somatic diseases;
• hormonal imbalance;
• menopause;
• prolapse of the uterus and vagina;
• traumatic sexual intercourse;
• using irritating compositions for personal hygiene and contraception (one of the exotic methods is douching with lemon juice).

Immunity cells completely or partially eliminate the pathogen. In the first case, the disease completely passes, and in the second it goes into a chronic stage. Some microorganisms have ways to hide inside epithelial cells for years and periodically cause exacerbation of the disease.

The result of inflammation is the complete restoration of the cervix or excessive growth in it connective tissue with the formation of adhesions. Prolonged cervicitis can lead to thickening of the cervical epithelium and blockage of the mouth of the mucous glands in its thickness. In this case, the secret accumulates inside the gland, gradually stretching it, which eventually forms a cyst. Such cervicitis is called cystic (follicular).

Types of pathology

Cervicitis is an extensive pathology, therefore, for convenience and understanding the causes of the process, doctors divide it into different kinds... By the duration of the course, there are:

• acute - lasts no more than 6 months;
• chronic - lasts more than six months.

Depending on the cause, cervicitis can be:

• specific - it is caused by pathogenic bacteria (gonorrheal, viral, chlamydial, ureaplasmic);
• nonspecific - develop under the influence of opportunistic microorganisms (staphylococcal, streptococcal, candidiasis). Often the association of bacteria becomes the cause of inflammation - several types of them are distinguished at once.

Nonspecific cervicitis is a consequence of hormonal imbalance or the body's immune defenses. The specific one can develop against the background of complete health, if the pathogen is aggressive enough and has entered the vagina in large quantities. Candidal cervicitis develops only against the background of severe immunodeficiency, for example, in women infected with HIV. Cervicitis is often observed during pregnancy.

In women during menopause, atrophic cervicitis develops, associated with a decrease in the concentration of estrogen in the blood. The secretory epithelium of the cervical canal produces an insufficient amount of mucus and becomes thinner, which leads to persistent sluggish inflammation.

By the nature of the inflammation, one can distinguish:

• purulent cervicitis - the cervical canal is filled with pus, the cause is usually gonococcus and opportunistic microflora;
• productive - healing processes predominate through excessive formation of connective tissue - scars, septa;
• proliferative - chronic inflammation leads to the proliferation of the epithelium of the cervical canal with the formation of polyps.

Occasionally, cervicitis is allergic. An inflammatory reaction can develop to latex, spermicidal agents, and intimate lubricants.

How does the disease manifest itself?

The symptoms of cervicitis are so nonspecific and blurred that the patient often does not pay attention to them and skips the acute stage of the disease. It can manifest itself:

The signs of chronic cervicitis are difficult to track down. It proceeds through the stages of complete calm and exacerbation, and the inflammation during the activation of the disease is expressed very moderately. The main symptoms of ill health that attract attention are vaginal discharge - cloudy, mucous, white or yellowish, practically odorless. Pain with friction during sex is also possible.

Occasionally, a long delay in menstruation develops if the walls of the cervical canal are completely fused with each other. Chronic cervicitis is usually found during a screening examination, as often a woman does not have any signs of the disease.

How does inflammation affect pregnancy?

The cervical canal passes directly into the uterine cavity, as a result of which it comes into close contact with the developing child, its membranes and waters. In a small period of pregnancy, an ascending infection from the cervix can lead to damage to the embryo, its death and miscarriage.

At later stages, pregnant women also remain at risk of infection of the fetus, due to which it may lag behind in development or even die. In addition, there is a risk of developing cervical insufficiency. The cervix, thinned by many years of inflammation, is not able to withstand the pressure of a growing child and opens ahead of time. This leads to premature birth and often the loss of the baby.

Is it possible to get pregnant with cervicitis if the inflammation of the cervix lasts a long time? With the intact patency of the cervical canal, there is no obstacle to the passage of spermatozoa and pregnancy can occur naturally. If the processes of formation of adhesions, scars prevail, or a complete fusion of the walls of the cervix has occurred, then the woman becomes sterile. Such infertility is considered reversible: restoration of the patency of the cervix is \u200b\u200bperformed surgically.

How is cervicitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis is established by a gynecologist based on the examination of the woman, taking anamnesis and familiarizing herself with the symptoms of the disease. The fertile age of the patient, frequent change of sexual partners, neglect of condoms, and recent venereal disease speak in favor of cervicitis. Moderate pain syndrome or its complete absence, unusual vaginal discharge also indicate inflammation of the cervix.

In a chair examination, the doctor examines the vagina and cervix using a speculum. He sees the inflammation of the vaginal portion of the cervix as erosion of a bright red color on its surface. Unlike true erosion, the cause of which is a change in the type of epithelium on the cervix, cervicitis leads to the appearance of pseudo-erosion. It is inflammatory in nature, but the epithelium remains the same - flat, multi-row.

Gonorrheal lesion manifests itself brightly: the cervix is \u200b\u200bswollen, bright red, pus oozes from the cervical canal. Trichomonas infection is characterized by a granular appearance of the ectocervix, outwardly it resembles a strawberry berry. Herpetic cervicitis proceeds with pronounced inflammation: the cervix is \u200b\u200bred, a focal erosive process develops on its surface - an analogue of bubbles with liquid in herpes of another localization. Bacterial cervicitis, caused by nonspecific microflora, also leads to the development of obvious inflammation with swelling and redness of the cervix.

Acute cervicitis leads to painful sensations during the doctor's manipulations with the cervix, so taking a smear can be unpleasant and painful. The gynecologist scrapes epithelial cells from the cervical canal with a special small brush, the analysis of which provides rich information. I use the resulting material for microscopy - a cytogram of cervicitis is compiled. It is dominated by inflammatory cells (leukocytes), destroyed or modified epithelial cells.

The swab is also plated on culture media to grow bacterial or fungal colonies. Then they are examined to determine the microflora and its sensitivity to drugs. It takes at least 3-5 days before the results are obtained, therefore, with their help, the previously prescribed therapy is usually corrected.

With a persistent chronic course of cervicitis, a small piece of tissue is taken for analysis - a biopsy. The material is examined under a microscope and in special analyzers. A symptom of chronic inflammation is lymphocytic cervicitis, in which the submucous layer is filled with immune cells (lymphocytes).

Pathology treatment

Treatment of cervicitis allows you to eliminate the cause of the disease, stop the inflammatory reaction, and restore a woman's reproductive function. It is performed on an outpatient basis; hospitalization and sick leave are usually not required. If an STI agent is found, both partners should be treated.

Treatment regimen for different types cervicitis:

• with bacterial infections - antibiotic treatment (suppositories Neomycin, Metronidazole), combined anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs (Terzhinan). After sanitation, candles with useful lactobacilli are prescribed to restore normal microflora (Acylact);
• at fungal infection - use antimycotics: inside Fluconazole, in the vagina - Natamycin tablets, suppositories with econazole;
• with chlamydial infection - a combination of several antibiotics (Tetracycline + Azithromycin) is prescribed for a period of at least 21 days;
• with atrophic inflammation, the introduction into the vagina of suppositories, creams, gels containing estriol (Divigel) helps.

Cysts, adhesions, adhesions, polyps of the cervical canal are surgically removed with the restoration of the patency of the cervix.

Since cervicitis and erosion (pseudo-erosion) are essentially the same disease, after treatment, a woman needs to be observed by a gynecologist and go through. The inflammatory process on the cervix increases the risk of cancer, but a thorough examination using colposcopy allows it to be detected in the earliest stages and can be successfully eliminated.

Cervicitis is an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the cervix. There are two forms of the disease: exocervicitis (the inflammatory process captures the vaginal segment of the cervix) and endocervicitis (inflammation of the inner membrane in the cervical canal of the cervix). Cervicitis is usually associated with vaginitis or is a consequence of it.

Causes of cervicitis may be different, but here are the factors that increase the risk of the disease:

• sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, etc.);
• infection with genital herpes virus and human papillomavirus;
• exposure to conditionally pathogenic microflora (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, etc.);
• traumatization of the cervix during diagnostic curettage, as a result of abortion and childbirth;
• early onset of sexual activity;
• constant change of sexual partners;
• reaction to contraceptives, intimate hygiene products;
• untimely change of hygienic tampons;
• an allergic reaction to latex condoms and components included in spermicidal formulations;
• hormonal disorders in a woman's body;
• immunodeficiency states.

Cervicitis symptoms

The likelihood of developing cervicitis increases a woman's infection with papillomavirus.

When mild form diseases, a woman may not notice any symptoms at all.
The first signs of cervicitis are more intense vaginal discharge for several days after your period ends. Unfortunately, women often do not attach importance to such manifestations.
Symptoms that should make a woman pay attention to her health condition and consult a doctor:

• bleeding lasting several days after menstruation;
• itching in the genitals;
• pain or discomfort during intercourse;
• spotting after intercourse;
• burning sensation when urinating;
• pain in the perineum and lower abdomen.

More severe cases of cervicitis are accompanied by profuse purulent vaginal discharge, bad smell, severe pain in the lower abdomen and itching in the vagina.
Not cured or not detected in the acute stage, cervicitis becomes a chronic process, in which a woman notes persistent mucous cloudy discharge from the vagina, sometimes mild itching and irritation of the external genital organs.

Diagnosis of cervicitis

It is impossible to independently establish cervicitis, due to the fact that the symptoms of the disease are not specific. Therefore, when its signs appear, it is necessary to contact a gynecologist, who, after conducting a series of studies, will be able to accurately establish a diagnosis and prescribe correct treatment.
Usually the doctor performs the following diagnostic procedures:

• inspection with mirrors;
• colposcopy - examination of the mucous membrane of the cervix with a special device (colposcope);
• general smear on flora;
• cytological examination of a smear;
• bacteriological studies of microflora with determination of sensitivity to antibacterial drugs;
• PCR diagnostics, enzyme immunoassay and other laboratory research methods (if necessary).

Cervicitis treatment

A doctor will detect cervicitis by examining a woman's genital tract using mirrors.

First of all, it is necessary to identify and eliminate factors that could cause cervicitis. It is worth noting that in case of detection of sexually transmitted infections, the woman's sexual partner must also undergo treatment.

The tactics of treating cervicitis depends on the identified cause of the disease.
In case of detection of the infectious nature of the disease, antibacterial drugs (quinolones, macrolides, antibiotics of the tetracycline series) are prescribed, their choice is carried out taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen. Viral cervicitis is more difficult to treat, requiring the prescription of antiviral drugs (valtrex, acyclovir) and the use of special immunoglobulins.

After the acute stage of the disease subsides, it is possible to use local treatment methods. The use of creams and suppositories (terginan) is effective. It is recommended to treat the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix with solutions of silver nitrate, chlorophyllipt or Dimexidum.

IN neglected cases diseases, when atrophic changes are observed in the mucous membrane of the cervix, local hormonal therapy (ovestin) is indicated, which promotes the regeneration of the epithelium and
Conservative treatment may not give the desired results in the chronic stage of cervicitis. In such cases, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment (cryotherapy, laser therapy, diathermocoagulation).
To assess the effectiveness of treatment, a control colposcopy is performed and laboratory tests are performed.

Prevention of cervicitis

Observance of some rules will help to avoid the development of the disease:

• observance of the rules of intimate hygiene (toilet of the genitals, timely change of hygiene products during menstruation, refusal of the constant use of daily pads);
• the use of barrier contraception to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies;
• timely treatment of STIs;
• avoiding casual sex;
• treatment of hormonal disorders;
• correct management of childbirth (refusal of home birth).

Which doctor to contact

When the described signs appear, you should contact your gynecologist. If the cause of the disease is one of the sexually transmitted infections, you need to undergo treatment with a venereologist. Additionally, you may need to consult an immunologist.

Cervicitis is an inflammatory process in the vaginal segment of the cervix. Cervicitis, the symptoms of which are characterized by purulent or mucous discharge, pain in the lower abdomen (pulling or dull), painful intercourse and urination.

Prolonged chronic cervicitis leads to the development of erosion, thickening of the cervix, the spread of infection to the upper parts of the genital apparatus.

By its structure, the cervix serves as a barrier that prevents infection from entering the uterus. Under certain factors, a violation of its protective function occurs, which leads to the ingress of foreign microflora into this area, thereby contributing to the development of inflammation - cervicitis of the cervix.

Most often, the disease occurs in women between the ages of 18 and 45 who are sexually active. However, many infected women do not receive the necessary treatment, since the symptoms of cervicitis can be hidden.

The reasons

Why does cervicitis occur, and what is it? In order for a woman to develop this ailment, it is necessary to introduce various pathogenic microflora into the genitals: E. coli, streptococci, staphylococci, mycoplasmas and other microorganisms. They are able to enter the cervix through contact pathways, through the blood and lymph, or from the rectum, specific microflora is sexually transmitted.

In most cases, cervicitis occurs due to the presence of vaginal sexually transmitted infections:,. Herpes genital infections can also provoke inflammation of the cervix, or. In addition, mechanical stimuli can accompany the onset of the disease, these are cervical injuries after abortion, childbirth or due to other injuries.

Cervicitis rarely occurs in isolation, usually its development is accompanied by other pathologies of the reproductive system: vaginitis, ectropion, pseudo-erosion of the cervix. To avoid complications, you need to think in time about how to treat cervicitis, and what drugs will be required for this.

Cervicitis symptoms

The disease can occur in two ways. The first is without symptoms, the second is with the manifestation of certain signs. In most cases, the severity of the clinic depends on the causative agent of the infectious process.

With a mild form of cervicitis, a woman may not notice any symptoms at all. Perhaps the periodic appearance of small vaginal discharge, which is predominantly mucous in nature.

Key features cervicitis of the cervix:

• weak aching;
• pain or discomfort during intercourse;
• rare spotting from the vagina, sometimes with an admixture of pus;
• cloudy mucous discharge from the vagina, regardless of the menstrual cycle;
• painful menstruation.

With cervicitis of the cervix, there are more pronounced symptoms - bleeding, itching in the genital area, pain or discharge with blood interspersed during intercourse, burning when urinating. In addition, a woman with cervicitis has periodic and uncomfortable sensations in the lower abdomen. If acute cervicitis has a severe course, then it is possible to observe an increase in body temperature, the appearance of dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

If a woman has developed gonorrheal cervicitis, then the discharge becomes with a yellow tint; with trichomoniasis, it becomes foamy. Human papillomavirus can cause genital warts and cervical ulceration of various sizes.

Acute cervicitis is treated with antibiotics. And if the cause of the disease is gonococcus, then treatment of both partners will be required. Cervicitis untreated at this stage turns into a protracted chronic process. The discharge becomes cloudy and slimy. In the chronic stage, signs of inflammation (edema, hyperemia) are less pronounced.

During pregnancy

Cervicitis during pregnancy can be a rather serious problem for both a woman and her baby. With an infectious course of the disease, there is a high probability of infection of the fetus during childbirth.

It is extremely difficult to treat cervicitis during pregnancy due to the fact that many antibacterial agents negatively affect the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary to cure cervicitis before pregnancy so that there are no various pathological changes in the fetus.

Chronic cervicitis

If acute cervicitis is not treated properly or is not treated at all, after one to two weeks the acute symptoms subside, and the inflammation takes on the features of a chronic process.

Symptoms of chronic cervicitis can be occasional aching pains in the lower abdomen, mucous discharge from the vagina. Chronic infection poses a great danger to a woman's health, because due to untimely treatment, the walls of the cervix become thickened, which can cause cancer, infertility and dysplasia in the genital area in question.

Purulent cervicitis

This is an inflammatory process in the columnar epithelium, as well as subepithelial damage to the mucous membrane of the cervix and any area that is adjacent to the columnar epithelium.

Its main manifestations:

• profuse (mixed with pus), foul-smelling vaginal discharge;
• uterine bleeding, not associated with menstruation;
• lower abdominal pain;
• , malaise (in rare cases).

If a woman has purulent cervicitis, it is almost certainly possible to assert that her partner has urethritis, caused by a similar type of pathogens.

Cervicitis - treatment

First, you should identify the cause of the disease, and then prescribe a comprehensive treatment for cervicitis. To do this, a woman needs to be examined by a gynecologist, tested for genital infections, bacterial flora of the vagina, as well as standard blood and urine tests. It is worth noting that if an STI is detected, the sexual partner must also be tested.

The treatment regimen is as follows:

• prescribing antibiotics after identifying the pathogen.
• local anti-inflammatory, analgesic therapy.
• restoration of the microflora of the vagina.
• physiotherapy.

In chlamydial cervicitis, antibiotics of the tetracycline series (doxycycline), quinolones, macrolides (erythromycin) are indicated. For candidal cervicitis, antifungal agents (itraconazole, fluconazole) are used. Combined local preparations are widely used in the treatment of cervicitis.

After the acute stage of the disease subsides, it is possible to use local methods of treating cervicitis. Candles (terginan) and creams work well for this. Thus, treatment for cervicitis of the cervix requires a long and thorough treatment so that it does not become chronic and heals completely.

In rare cases, if a woman's cervicitis does not go away after a course of antibiotics, cauterization of the inflamed areas is performed.

Preventive measures

Prevention of cervicitis is, first of all, timely treatment of endocrine disorders, prevention of abortion, adherence to personal hygiene and exclusion of genital infections.